Feb. 6, 2008

MEN'S BASKETBALL - Brandon Johnson, San Diego
San Diego junior guard Brandon Johnson was the main catalyst in the Toreros' march up the conference standings. Led by Johnson, the Toreros posted a 4-1 record to open conference play. Johnson averaged a team-best 17.6 points per game, the second best clip in the WCC during January.

In addition, he swiped a WCC-best 2.60 steals per game and dished out 2.6 assists per contest. The Houston, TX native was an assassin from long range, leading the conference with 2.60 three-point field goals per game. Johnson was at his best against the other top teams in the conference.

He tossed in 26 points to go along with seven steals versus Gonzaga, before dropping in 25 points in the Toreros' win over No. 20 Saint Mary's. San Diego's victory was just its third over a Top 25 opponent in the school's history, and its first since a win over No. 14 UCLA in 2002.

San Diego's Brandon Johnson ranked second in the conference during the month of January, while pacing the league in steals.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL - Heather Bowman, Gonzaga
Gonzaga's Heather Bowman returned from missing five games due to a hand injury to lead the Zags to a perfect 7-0 record during the month of January, including a 6-0 mark to open WCC play.

Bowman ranked fourth in the conference with 17.1 points per game and grabbed 6.3 rebounds per contest, while shooting an impressive .595 (47-for-79) from the field to lead the WCC. The sophomore was tabbed for WCC Player of the Week honors on January 21 after averaging 24.5 points and shooting a blistering .760 (19-for-25) in wins at San Diego and San Francisco.

Bowman finished in double-figure points in all but one contest during the month of January, including three 20-plus point performances. It marks the second WCC Player of the Month honor this season for Bowman, who was also tabbed for league recognition in November.